Let's Get The P(ART)y Started
Wine & Design's Eau Claire location fosters creativity and community
“We believe art is for everyone because creativity knows no age, skill level, or background.” These values are the driving forces behind downtown Eau Claire’s new arts-focused business: Wine & Design.
Starting on Jan. 24, this North Carolina-based business will offer sip-and-paint workshops and weekly classes right here in Eau Claire. Located at 214 N Barstow St., nestled in the B7 Flats apartment building, the studio moves beyond the typical evening class to provide memorable artistic experiences for all ages and occasions.
Hannah Kunze, the owner of the upcoming Eau Claire Wine & Design, has her eyes – and paintbrushes – focused on injecting a colorful vibrancy into downtown Eau Claire as the operation’s opening date in the new year approaches.
“Wine & Design is all about building community in a creative way,” Kunze said. “You’d be amazed at the people that haven’t done art since elementary school – we just try to make classes super fun and very easy.”
In addition to its themed weekly classes, Wine & Design’s specialized divisions allow for expanded offerings that cater to a broad range of events and segments of the community.
Art Buzz Kids
With “Art Buzz Kids” (Wine & Design’s “fun-sized” programming), Kunze and her staff will convert little ones’ creative visions into reality. These hands-on art classes and immersive summer camps intend to spark imagination, build strengths in cognitive play and elicit fun – without the mess at home.
The typical age range for Art Buzz Kids is between 7 and 12 years old, though Kunze noted she welcomes younger children (just make sure to check-in ahead of each class), including Pre-K kiddos. Kunze envisions the Eau Claire Wine & Design studio will also offer its own “Pint- Sized Picasso,” courses designed for moms to enjoy a creative activity – with a glass of wine at the ready – while their little ones play and stimulate their curiosity for the arts.
Wine & Design On Wheels, Team Building
Whether it’s an office holiday party or a corporate development training, there’s sure to be space for folks to unwind and deepen their connection to the creative sides of life with Wine & Design’s “On Wheels” and “Team Building” offerings.
These private events – whether held in person at the Eau Claire location or remotely – can accommodate large groups, with supplies to accommodate up to 100 artists at one time. All supplies and materials – paints poured and glasses are filled – prior to arrival, making it easy for participants to dive right in.
“Team Building is really bringing those corporate folks out of their shell, getting out of the office and (letting) loose,” Kunze said. “Everyone does have some kind of creative aspect to them; attendees walk out of there with a different perspective compared to when they walked in. That’s what those team building efforts are all about.”
Paint It Forward
Kunze sees the arts as a powerful means of expression and to connect people, raise awareness for global issues and inspire a sense of shared values. Wine & Design’s “Paint It Forward” initiative aims to combine these efforts to provide locals with ways to raise money and bring awareness to any cause.
“Paint It Forward solidifies what we can do for the community and helps people bring some vibrance back into people’s lives,” Kunze said.
In the dozens of Wine & Design locations across the country, these fundraisers have come to life through partnerships with area organizations who serve a particular population or need in its community.
From veterans, those experiencing homelessness, to the area Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, these workshops are intended to offer the chance to donate proceeds from each event toward a common goal or cause.
Do-It-Yourself
As a former art educator, Kunze continues to draw from this background and embody the beauty of “learning something new” in every step of her business approach. Through the forthcoming Wine & Design location in Eau Claire, Kunze and fellow artists will have the opportunity to dive into new creative passions outside of painting canvases in new “Do-It-Yourself ” (DIY) classes.
These offerings – ranging from acrylic pour sessions, resin work, blanket weaving and stained glass – will challenge new skills and continue to evolve as the franchise collaborates with contracted artists with varying art mediums.
“We love reaching every type of person and we want non-artists coming in for new ideas and new experiences,” Kunze said.
Eau Claire’s Wine & Design location (214 N Barstow St., Eau Claire) will open on Jan. 24. To view a full calendar of events and classes, and to register, visit the Wine & Design Eau Claire website at wineanddesign.com/eauclaire-wi.
Wine & Design - Eau Claire
Address: 214 N Barstow St., Eau Claire
Phone: (715) 716-3137
Website: wineanddesign.com/eauclaire-wi
